The female driver of the other car – a Renault Clio – was trapped for almost two hours, while fire crews worked to free her from the scene on the A92, just south of the Tay Bridge.

She is believed to have multiple injuries, and was airlifted to Ninewells as soon as firemen were able to cut her out using a hydraulic extracting device.

A trauma team and helicopter were on stand-by, waiting to give the woman first-response care.

The accident happened at around 1pm today (Sun), between the Five Roads Roundabout and Forgan Roundabout, near Cupar.

A Scottish Ambulance spokesman said: “It was a very traumatic scene, but the emergency services had it under control.

“We had a helicopter awaiting instruction, and a trauma team from Ninewells Hospital to help out, as well as a number of other doctors at the scene, so we used a multitude of resources to get everyone to hospital.

“Two of the children have suffered quite severe injuries, and the female driving the people carrier and the three other children have managed to walk away with minor injuries.

“The driver of the other car was in a worse position because her vehicle had rolled across the road, which made it difficult to free her, we believe she has sustained a number of injuries.